The Mirror Dimly

Why does God still blame the Jews if He hardened them? Paul doesn't mince words: God hardens only those in rebellion already, and Israel had already rejected God's messengers and now God's son. While God used their sin for his purposes, it didn’t erase their guilt.

Unpack the controversial idea from Romans 9:18 – "He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires." Learn how hardening strengthens paths already chosen, as seen in Pharaoh, Sihon, and even Israel. Drawing from 2 Thessalonians 2, Isaiah 63, and Acts 4, we see it's a consequence of rejecting truth, not arbitrary.#Romans9Explained #BiblicalTheology #ChristianApologetics #GodsSovereignty #Romans9

Dive into Romans 9:14-18 where Paul tackles the big question: Is there injustice with God? Discover how God's mercy isn't based on ethnicity, works, or effort, it's all about His promise and our faith in Christ. From Moses' bold plea in Exodus 33 to Pharaoh's hardened heart, see how God raises up even rebels to proclaim His power and bless the nations.#Romans9 #GodsMercy #BibleStudy #FaithVsWorks #Exodus33 #ChristianTeaching #SovereignGod

In this episode I discuss why Israel was elected by God.

In this episode I return after a long, long, hiatus to begin discussing chapter 9. I talk about Paul's view of his countryman, his grief over their unbelief, and how Paul sets himself up in the role of Moses.

In this episode I read through chapters 9 and 10 as we look at the main thesis of this section of Romans. I discuss how important the context is leading into this section for understanding why Paul wrote it.

In this episode I discuss the security that is found in Christ for those who have faith. The scripture gives us so much assurance of God's everlasting love and how nothing in this world can separate us from him.

Couldn't help the clickbait! In this episode I continue to discuss one of the most encouraging passages in Romans. To do so, we need to take a longer look at what Paul means by 'foreknew' and 'predestined.'

In this episode I discuss what it means to be called, and the grace that is the assurance of God working all things with His followers for the good of those who are called.

In this episode I discuss the assurance we have based on God's fulfillment of His promises and how the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf.